DAY’S END ROUNDUP

The death of Tim Russert, NBC’s longtime host of “Meet the Press,” stunned the national political community Friday. The debate over how many debates the presidential candidates should have, and the possibility that former Secretary of State Colin Powell may vote for Barack Obama also have bloggers talking.

Russert was by far the most influential journalist in politics, writes Chris Cillizza, who notes that most marked the end of Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton’s (D-N.Y.) campaign when Russert said so. Talking Points Memo posts the video of Tom Brokaw reporting the news and notes that Russert had a massive impact on the current presidential race among many others.

The John McCain campaign has found some leverage to get Obama to rethink his position on fewer debates, Marc Ambinder writes, pointing out that Nancy Reagan and the daughters of President Lyndon Johnson have offered up the presidential libraries for use. Open Left’s Chris Bowers applauds Obama for rejecting McCain’s offer of ten debates, noting that the high number of joint appearance does not offer Obama much to gain.

Powell left open the possibility that he will support Obama and some wondering if he is angling for a spot in Obama’s cabinet or on the ticket. Hot Air’s Allahpundit thinks Powell would be a powerful boost to Obama’s military credentials if he did endorse, but notes that Powell’s infamous presentation to the United Nations makes his support less than it once was.

FROM THE BLOGS:
Obama Leans on Team Daschle in Key States – The Fix
Just Keep Saying Success – Matthew Yglesias
Colin Powell May Back Obama – Allahpundit, Hot Air
McCain’s Debate Gambit – Chris Bowers, Open Left
12 Steps for Recovering Liberals – Scott Johnson, Power Line
Tim Russert, 58, Has Died – First Read
ANWR Politics – Ramesh Ponnuru, The Corner
Jindal in Details – Top of the Ticket
McCain Slams Court – Swamp Land
FISA and Hoyer – Christy Hardin Smith, Firedoglake

OTHER NEWS SOURCES:
Tim Russert Is Dead at 58 – New York Times
Maliki Criticizes U.S. Demands – Washington Post
FISA Negotiators Near Deal – The Hill